Alabama practice report: Top assistant not seen as CFP prep begins

Alabama returned to the field Friday for the first time since the end of the regular season. On the last day of the fall semester, the Crimson Tide practiced in shells and shorts inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility as it begins preparations for its College Football Playoff semifinal clash with Clemson at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on New Year's Day.

Here are some observations from the limited access period provided to the media:

-- Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who was recently hired as Tennessee's head coach, wasn't spotted. He said he planned to recruit for the Volunteers through Sunday.

-- There were no changes within the first-team offensive line. Matt Womack was at right tackle, Lester Cotton at right guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Ross Pierschbacher at left guard and Jonah Williams at left tackle.

-- Paul Tyson, the four-star quarterback from Hewitt-Trussville and Bear Bryant's great-grandson, was seen watching the proceedings.

-- Offensive analyst Chris Weinke, who has been connected with various assistant coaching openings, was spotted.

Rainer Sabin is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @RainerSabin